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Background and Purpose: Although most strokes present with mild symptoms, these have been poorly represented in clinical trials. The objective of this study is to describe multidimensional outcomes, identify predictors of worse outcomes, and explore the effect of thrombolysis in this population. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 0 to 5, presenting within 4.5 hours from symptom onset. The primary outcome was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1; secondary outcomes included good outcomes in the Barthel Index, Stroke Impact Scale-16, and European Quality of Life. Multivariable models were created to determine predictors of outcomes and the effect of alteplase. Results: A total of 1765 participants were included from 100 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke participating hospitals (age, 65±14; 42% women; final diagnosis of ischemic stroke, 90%; transient ischemic attack, 10%; 57% received alteplase). At 90 days, 37% were disabled and 25% not independent. Worse outcomes were noted for older individuals, women, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics, Medicaid recipients, smokers, those with diabetes, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, higher baseline NIHSS, visual field defects, and extremity weakness. Similar outcomes were noted for the alteplase-treated and untreated groups. Alteplase-treated patients were younger (64±13 versus 67±1.4) with higher NIHSS (2.9±1.4 versus 1.7±1.4). After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and baseline NIHSS, we did not identify an effect of alteplase on the primary outcome but did find an association with Stroke Impact Scale-16 in the restricted sample of baseline NIHSS score 3–5. Few symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages were recorded ( Conclusions: A large proportion of stroke patients presenting with low NIHSS have a disabled outcome. Baseline predictors of worse outcomes are described. An effect of alteplase on outcomes was not identified in the overall cohort, but a suggestion of efficacy was noted in the NIHSS 3–5 subgroup. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02072681.

Background and Purpose: Clinical fluctuations in ischemic stroke symptoms are common, but fluctuations before hospital arrival have not been previously characterized. Methods: A standardized qualitative assessment of fluctuations before hospital arrival was obtained in an observational study that enrolled patients with mild ischemic stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of 0–5) present on arrival to hospital within 4.5 hours of onset, in a subset of 100 hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke quality improvement program. The number of fluctuations, direction, and the overall improvement or worsening was recorded based on reports from the patient, family, or paramedics. Baseline NIHSS on arrival and at 72 hours (or discharge if before) and final diagnosis and stroke subtype were collected. Outcomes at 90 days included the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Stroke Impact Scale 16, and European Quality of Life. Prehospital fluctuations were examined in relation to hospital NIHSS change (admission to 72 hours or discharge) and 90-day outcomes. Results: Among 1588 participants, prehospital fluctuations, consisting of improvement, worsening, or both were observed in 35.5%: 25.1% improved once, 5.3% worsened once, and 5.1% had more than 1 fluctuation. Those who improved were less likely and those who worsened were more likely to receive alteplase. Those who improved before hospital arrival had lower change in the hospital NIHSS than those who did not fluctuate. Better adjusted 90-day outcomes were noted in those with prehospital improvement compared to those without any fluctuations. Conclusions: Fluctuations in neurological symptoms and signs are common in the prehospital setting. Prehospital improvement was associated with better 90-day outcomes, controlling for admission NIHSS and alteplase treatment. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT 02072681.

In patients with COVID-19, acute stroke management may need to be limited to patients with viable outcomes, perhaps younger population with fewer comorbidities, and patients without respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Protecting healthcare professionals must be kept at the forefront if aggressive stroke treatment is used.

Background and Purpose— It remains unclear how experience influences outcomes after the advent of stent retriever technology. We studied the relationship between site experience and outcomes in the Trevo Acute Ischemic Stroke multicenter registry. Methods— The 24 sites that enrolled patients in the Trevo Acute Ischemic Stroke registry were trichotomized into low-volume (4 cases/month). Baseline features, imaging, and clinical outcomes were compared across the 3 volume strata. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess whether outcomes were influenced by site volumes. Results— A total of 624 patients were included and distributed as low- (n=188 patients, 30.1%), medium- (n=175, 28.1%), and high-volume (n=261, 41.8%) centers. There were no significant differences in terms of age (mean, 66±16 versus 67±14 versus 65±15; P =0.2), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mean, 17.6±6.5 versus 16.8±6.5 versus 17.6±6.9; P =0.43), or occlusion site across the 3 groups. Median (interquartile range) times from stroke onset to groin puncture were 266 (181.8–442.5), 239 (175–389), and 336.5 (221.3–466.5) minutes in low-, medium-, and high-volume centers, respectively ( P =0.004). Higher efficiency and better outcomes were seen in higher volume sites as demonstrated by shorter procedural times (median, 97 versus 67 versus 69 minutes; P P ≤0.0001), and higher rates of good outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale [mRS], ≤2; 39% versus 50% versus 53.4%; P =0.02). There were no appreciable differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or 90-day mortality. After adjustments in the multivariable analysis, there were significantly higher chances of achieving a good outcome in high- versus low-volume (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.03–2.7; P =0.04) and medium- versus low-volume (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9; P =0.03) centers, but there were no significant differences between high- and medium-volume centers ( P =0.86). Conclusions— Stroke center volumes significantly influence efficiency and outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy.

BackgroundPrior studies evaluating the Wingspan stent for treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease have included patients with a spectrum of both on-label and off-label indications for the stent. The WEAVE trial assessed 152 patients stented with the Wingspan stent strictly by its current on-label indication and found a 2.6% periprocedural stroke and death rate.ObjectiveThis WOVEN study assesses the 1-year follow-up from this cohort.MethodsTwelve of the original 24 sites enrolling patients in the WEAVE trial performed follow-up chart review and imaging analysis up to 1 year after stenting. Assessment of delayed stroke and death was made in 129 patients, as well as vascular imaging follow-up to assess for in-stent re-stenosis.ResultsIn the 1-year follow-up period, seven patients had a stroke (six minor, one major). Subsequent to the periprocedural period, no deaths were recorded in the cohort. Including the four patients who had periprocedural events in the WEAVE study, there were 11 strokes or deaths of the 129 patients (8.5%) at the 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe WOVEN study provides the 1-year follow-up on a cohort of 129 patients who were stented according to the current on-label use. It provides a more homogeneous patient group for analysis than prior studies, and demonstrates a relatively low 8.5% 1-year stroke and death rate in stented patients.

BackgroundRecent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrated the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using stent-retrievers in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusions; however, it remains unclear if these results translate to a real-world setting. The TREVO Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke (TRACK) multicenter Registry aimed to evaluate the use of the Trevo device in everyday clinical practice.MethodsTwenty-three centers enrolled consecutive AIS patients treated from March 2013 through August 2015 with the Trevo device. The primary outcome was defined as achieving a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of ≥2b. Secondary outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).ResultsA total of 634patients were included. Mean age was 66.1±14.8 years and mean baseline NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17.4±6.7; 86.7% had an anterior circulation occlusion. Mean time from symptom onset to puncture and time to revascularization were 363.1±264.5 min and 78.8±49.6 min, respectively. 80.3% achieved TICI ≥2b. 90-day mRS ≤2 was achieved in 47.9%, compared with 51.4% when restricting the analysis to the anterior circulation and within 6 hours (similar to recent AHA/ASA guidelines), and 54.3% for those who achieved complete revascularization. The 90-day mortality rate was 19.8%. Independent predictors of clinical outcome included age, baseline NIHSS, use of balloon guide catheter, revascularization, and sICH.ConclusionThe TRACK Registry results demonstrate the generalizability of the recent thrombectomy RCTs in real-world clinical practice. No differences in clinical and angiographic outcomes were shown between patients treated within the AHA/ASA guidelines and those treated outside the recommendations.

Background and Objective: The first pass effect (FPE; achieving complete recanalization with a single thrombectomy device pass) has been shown to be associated with higher rates of good clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Here, we investigate clinical and radiographic factors associated with FPE in a large U.S. post-marketing registry (TRACK, Trevo Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke). Methods: We analyzed the TRACK database (multicenter registry of 634 patients from 23 centers from March 2013 through August 2015), which 609 patients were included in the final analysis. FPE was defined as a single pass/use of device, TICI 2c/3 recanalization, and no use of rescue therapy. Analysis of individual patient data from TRACK were performed to analyze clinical and radiographic characteristics associated with FPE as well-compared clinical outcomes defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 30 and 90 days from hospital discharge to the non-FPE group. Results: The rate of FPE in TRACK was 23% (140/609). There was no association between patient demographics and FPE, including age (p = 0.36), sex (p = 0.50), race (p = 0.50), location of occlusion (p = 0.26), baseline NIHSS (p = 0.62), or past medical history. There was no difference in the use of a balloon-guide catheter or general anesthesia (49 and 57% with FPE vs. 47 and 64%, p = 0.63 and p = 0.14, respectively). Clinical outcomes were significantly associated with FPE; 63 vs. 44% in non-FPE patients achieved mRS 0-2 at 90 days (p = 0.0004). Conclusion: Our study showed that achieving complete recanalization with a single thrombectomy pass using the Trevo device was highly beneficial. The most common clinical factors that are used to determine eligibility for endovascular therapy, such as NIHSS severity, location of occlusion or patient age were not predictive of the ability to achieve FPE.

Background and Purpose- It remains unclear how experience influences outcomes after the advent of stent retriever technology. We studied the relationship between site experience and outcomes in the Trevo Acute Ischemic Stroke multicenter registry. Methods- The 24 sites that enrolled patients in the Trevo Acute Ischemic Stroke registry were trichotomized into low-volume (2 cases/month), medium-volume (2-4 cases/month), and high-volume centers (4 cases/month). Baseline features, imaging, and clinical outcomes were compared across the 3 volume strata. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess whether outcomes were influenced by site volumes. Results- A total of 624 patients were included and distributed as low- (n=188 patients, 30.1%), medium- (n=175, 28.1%), and high-volume (n=261, 41.8%) centers. There were no significant differences in terms of age (mean, 66±16 versus 67±14 versus 65±15; P=0.2), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mean, 17.6±6.5 versus 16.8±6.5 versus 17.6±6.9; P=0.43), or occlusion site across the 3 groups. Median (interquartile range) times from stroke onset to groin puncture were 266 (181.8-442.5), 239 (175-389), and 336.5 (221.3-466.5) minutes in low-, medium-, and high-volume centers, respectively (P=0.004). Higher efficiency and better outcomes were seen in higher volume sites as demonstrated by shorter procedural times (median, 97 versus 67 versus 69 minutes; P0.001), higher balloon guide catheter use (40% versus 36% versus 59%; P≤0.0001), and higher rates of good outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale [mRS], ≤2; 39% versus 50% versus 53.4%; P=0.02). There were no appreciable differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or 90-day mortality. After adjustments in the multivariable analysis, there were significantly higher chances of achieving a good outcome in high- versus low-volume (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.03-2.7; P=0.04) and medium- versus low-volume (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9; P=0.03) centers, but there were no significant differences between high- and medium-volume centers (P=0.86). Conclusions- Stroke center volumes significantly influence efficiency and outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy.

IntroductionThe Solitaire stent retriever registry showed improved reperfusion, faster procedure times, and better outcome in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion treated with a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and Solitaire stent retriever compared with a conventional guide catheter. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether use of a BGC with the Trevo stent retriever improves outcomes compared with a conventional guide catheter.MethodsThe TRACK registry recruited 23 sites to submit demographic, clinical, and site adjudicated angiographic and outcome data on consecutive patients treated with the Trevo stent retriever. BGC use was at the discretion of the physician.Results536 anterior circulation patients (of whom 279 (52.1%) had BGC placement) were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics were notable for younger patients in the BGC group (65.4±15.3 vs 68.1±13.6, P=0.03) and lower rate of hypertension (72% vs 79%, P=0.06). Mean time from symptom onset to groin puncture was longer in the BGC group (357 vs 319 min, P=0.06).Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3 scores were higher in the BGC cohort (84% vs 75.5%, P=0.01). There was no difference in reperfusion time, first pass effect, number of passes, or rescue therapy. Good clinical outcome at 3 months was superior in patients with BGC (57% vs 40%; P=0.0004) with a lower mortality rate (13% vs 23%, P=0.008). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that BGC use was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (OR 2; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1, P=0.001).ConclusionsIn acute stroke patients presenting with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, use of a BGC with the Trevo stent retriever resulted in improved reperfusion, improved clinical outcome, and lower mortality.

Background: Time to mechanical thrombectomy is a significant driver of outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting with large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to evaluate predictors of onset to groin puncture (OTG), groin puncture to reperfusion (GTR), and onset to reperfusion (OTR) times in AIS patients treated with the Trevo stent-retriever. Methods: The investigator-initiated TRACK registry recruited 23 clinical sites to submit demographic, clinical, site-adjudicated angiographic, and outcome data on consecutive patients treated with the Trevo device. We included patients treated Results: Among 433 patients analyzed (mean age 66.8 +/- 14.6 years; median NIHSS score 18; 88% anterior circulation), the median times were: OTG 240, GTR 64, and OTR 321 minutes. In multivariable analysis (Table), the independent predictors were: 1) OTG: transfer status and general anesthesia (GA) use; 2) GTR: 1 pass attempt only, use of rescue therapy, GA use, and baseline mRS >1; and 3) OTR: transfer status, use of perfusion imaging, anterior circulation LVO, use of rescue therapy, and 1 pass attempt only. Conclusions: Major pre-treatment contributors to delays to reperfusion in AIS patients treated

Background: Patients with minor acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack are at high risk for subsequent stroke, and more potent antiplatelet therapy in the acute setting is needed. However, the potential benefit of more intense antiplatelet therapy must be assessed in relation to the risk for major bleeding. The SOCRATES trial (Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Treated With Aspirin or Ticagrelor and Patient Outcomes) was the first trial with ticagrelor in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in which the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor were compared with those of aspirin. The main safety objective was assessment of PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes)–defined major bleeds on treatment, with special focus on intracranial hemorrhage (ICrH). Methods: An independent adjudication committee blinded to study treatment classified bleeds according to the PLATO, TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction), and GUSTO (Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries) definitions. The definitions of ICrH and major bleeding excluded cerebral microbleeds and asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformations of cerebral infarctions so that the definitions better discriminated important events in the acute stroke population. Results: A total of 13 130 of 13 199 randomized patients received at least 1 dose of study drug and were included in the safety analysis set. PLATO major bleeds occurred in 31 patients (0.5%) on ticagrelor and 38 patients (0.6%) on aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–1.34). The most common locations of major bleeds were intracranial and gastrointestinal. ICrH was reported in 12 patients (0.2%) on ticagrelor and 18 patients (0.3%) on aspirin. Thirteen of all 30 ICrHs (4 on ticagrelor and 9 on aspirin) were hemorrhagic strokes, and 4 (2 in each group) were symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations of brain infarctions. The ICrHs were spontaneous in 6 and 13, traumatic in 3 and 3, and procedural in 3 and 2 patients on ticagrelor and aspirin, respectively. In total, 9 fatal bleeds occurred on ticagrelor and 4 on aspirin. The composite of ICrH or fatal bleeding included 15 patients on ticagrelor and 18 on aspirin. Independently of bleeding classification, PLATO, TIMI, or GUSTO, the relative difference between treatments for major/severe bleeds was similar. Nonmajor bleeds were more common on ticagrelor. Conclusions: Antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack showed a bleeding profile similar to that of aspirin for major bleeds. There were few ICrHs. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01994720.

Background Early detection of dysphagia is critical to reducing hospital complications and length of stay in patients with various types of strokes. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the DePaul Hospital Swallow Screener (DHSS) tool to assess for dysphagia in patients with stroke. Methods This prospective observational study investigated patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center. The DHSS is composed of a questionnaire containing 8 nonswallow items and a water swallow test. All patients admitted under a standard stroke protocol are screened by the nursing staff using the DHSS and then objectively evaluated by a speech-language pathologist using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA). Validity measures and reliability through Cohen's κ-coefficient with associated 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results A total of 224 patients completed the DHSS and had at least 1 MASA score. The overall Content Validity Index score for the DHSS was .92. Compared with the MASA dysphagia cutoff value, the DHSS had a specificity of 93% and a sensitivity of 69%, and compared with the MASA aspiration risk cutoff value, the DHSS had a specificity of 90% and a sensitivity of 70%. Stratified analysis for those with any documented stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) compared with those admitted with transient ischemic attack or no stroke yielded similar sensitivity and specificity in both dysphagia and aspiration risk. Conclusion The DHSS is a valid and reliable swallow screening tool with moderate agreement, high specificity, and reliable predictive values when compared with the MASA.

Background: Elevated blood glucose levels following acute ischemic stroke have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes in thrombolytic and nonthrombolytic treated patients. The current study examined multiple blood glucose parameters and their association with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months following mechanical thrombectomy and hospital discharge. Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy with a retrievable stent at two stroke centers were studied. Admission blood glucose level, maximum blood glucose during the hospital stay, and serial blood glucose measurements within the first 24 h of hospital admission were recorded. Variability in blood glucose level was represented by the standard deviation of the serial measurements within the first 24 h. The following demographic and clinical data was also collected: age, sex, baseline NIHSS score, onset-to-reperfusion times, hemoglobin A1c, and stroke mechanism. Results: 79 patients were identified; at 3 months, 35 patients had an mRS score of 0–2 and 44 had had an mRS of 3–6. Among the blood glucose variables, standard deviation of blood glucose in the first 24 h following admission and maximum blood glucose during hospital stay were significantly higher in the mRS 3–6 group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the standard deviation of blood glucose remained significant (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.11, p = 0.003) in a model that adjusted for admission NIHSS score (p = 0.016) and number of stent retriever passes (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Greater blood glucose variability following acute ischemic stroke is associated with worse clinical outcome in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Background: Elevated blood glucose (BG) levels at admission following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes in thrombolytic and non-thrombolytic treated patients. This association has been inconsistent and has not been studied after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The current study looks at multiple BG parameters and their association with outcome following MT in AIS. Methods: AIS patients undergoing MT with a retrievable stent between 2012 and 2016 at two stroke centers were studied. Favorable clinical outcome was defined as having a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 0-2 at three months. Admission BG, maximum BG during the hospital stay, and serial measurements every 4-6 hours in the first 24 hours were recorded. The following demographic and clinical data was also collected: age, sex, baseline NIHSS score, onset-to-reperfusion times, HgA1c, and stroke mechanism. Results: Seventy-nine patients were identified (mean age 69, 49% male, SEM= 1.56); thirty-three patients had a favorable clinical outcome at three months and 46 had unfavorable outcomes. In univariate analysis, BG variability (standard deviation of BG, SD) in the first 24 hours following admission and maximum BG during hospital stay was associated with unfavorable outcomes (Table 1). The association between admission BG and favorable outcome was not statistically significant. In multivariate logistic regression analysis the SD of BG (OR= 1.08, 95% CI= 1.02-1.13, P= .005) had the highest predictive value for favorable outcome. Conclusions: Greater BG variability is associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with AIS undergoing MT. Using SD and/or serial measurements of BG appear better than single BG measurements at predicting clinical outcome in this population.

Background: In 2005, the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) approved the reimbursement for carotid artery stenting for high-risk carotid stenosis; leaving carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to be performed primarily for a low-risk population. In this study, we assess trends of outcomes associated with CEA over the period of CMS regulation. Methods: A cohort of patients with CEA was identified from the National Inpatient Sample database using the procedure codes (38.12) for the years 2001 through 2009. Patients under age 18, missing information on the death status, transfer between hospitals, and urgent or emergent admissions were eliminated. Trend analysis for the following outcomes (post procedure stroke, myocardial infarction ‘MI’, and death) was performed over the year included in the study. Two periods encompass the implementation of the guideline (first period: 2001 through 2004 and second period: 2006 through 2009) were compared. Results: Over 9 years, 152 051 CEA procedures were performed; 63375 performed during the first period and 70886 in the second period. The mean age (71.02 ± 9.2) and male preponderance (57.4%) were similar in both treatment periods (P > 0.05). Ninety six percent of this population was asymptomatic by the time CEA was performed. Overall poor outcome risk of post-procedure stroke, MI and death was 1.97%; being lower in the second compared to the first period (2.05% versus 1.88%; P =0.02; unadjusted odds ratio “OR’ 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84, 0.98; and adjusted OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96). The risk of post-procedure stroke was similar in both periods (0.94% versus 0.97%; P = 0.56); however, the risks of MI (0.91% versus 0.76%; P = 0.002) and death (0.46% versus 0.33%; P < 0.0001) declined over time. Conclusion: Following the CMS reimbursement guideline, CEA is associated with lesser risks of poor outcomes (MI and death).

Background: The CREST trial showed that risk of stroke, MI, death, and composite of the any of the 3 adverse events during the periprocedural period of carotid artery stent (CAS) is 4.1%, 1.1%. 0.7%, and 7.2% respectively. We aim to assess trends of periprocedural outcomes after CAS based on different age strata. Methods: A cohort of patients with CAS is identified from the National In patient Sample database using the procedure codes (00.63) for the years 2001 through 2009. We only included elective admissions for CAS. Missing observations on the death status are eliminated. Age was stratified as follows: < 60, 61-70, 71-80, and > 80. Trend analysis for the following periprocedural outcomes: peri-procedure stroke, myocardial infarction ‘MI’, and death; was performed across different age strata. The Cochrane-Armitage test was used for trend analysis. Results: Over 9 years, 10,655 CAS procedures were performed; 1818 (17.1%) were performed in the octogenarians. Race and gender distribution was similar across the age strata; men and Whites were predominant. In addition to age, co-morbid high risk factors were documented in 91% of the octogenarians compared to 83.2% of those < 60. The overall periprocedural outcome of stroke, MI and death across all ages is 2.37%, (stroke 1.6%, MI 0.66% and death 0.37%). Unfavorable periprocedural outcomes in different age strata are as follows: < 60 (1.1%), 61-70 (1.9%), 71-80 (3%), and > 80 (2.75%); trend P value < 0.0001. The risk of stroke is as follows: < 60 (0.72%), 61-70 (1.3%), 71-80 (2.0%), and > 80 (1.9%), P value < 0.0003; and MI < 60 (0.33%), 61-70 (0.52%), 71-80 (0.85%), and > 80 (0.77%), P value < 0.03. Mortality remained between 0.27 and 0.44 in different age strata; P = 0.54. Conclusion: In this study, periprocedural risks of stroke and MI are lower than what was reported in the CREST trial. A slight increase in these risks is noted with age, though appeared to plateau after age of 70 years.

Introduction: In 2015, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with stent-retrievers became a standard of care treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Data on the impact of stent-retrievers on clinical outcomes in non-trial settings is limited. This study examines the association between the transition from first generation devices to stent-retrievers and clinical outcomes in a large inpatient sample. Methods: We used data from the 2010 - 2013 National Inpatient Sample for patients (n=3553) with a diagnosis of AIS using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) diagnosis codes who underwent MT using ICD-9-CM procedure code of 39.74. Patients in the 2010-2011 time period (Period 1) were categorized as first generation device patients and patients in the 2012-2013 time period (Period 2) were categorized as second generation device patients. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality (alive/dead), discharge disposition (favorable/unfavorable), and length of stay (normal/prolonged). Weighted binary logistic regression models adjusting for patient and hospital level factors were developed. Results: The number of procedures increases from 679 in 2010 to 1128 in 2013. In Period 1, 1443 patients were treated with MT and in Period 2, 2110 patients were treated with MT. In the adjusted model, compared to patients in Period 1, patients in Period 2 were 31% less likely to be deceased (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.58-0.83) and 22% less likely to be discharged to an unfavorable location (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.64-0.95). There was no statistically significant association between treatment period and length of stay (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.82-1.10). Conclusion: Patients that had an MT performed during the stent-retrievers years were less likely to expire and be discharged to an unfavorable location than patients in the first generation device years. This confirms the past literature on the beneficial effects of a second generation of stent-retrievers in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in a real world setting.

Background Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in children is yet to be proven efficacious, and there is limited information about its safety in large pediatric samples. Here we evaluate the safety outcomes associated with thrombolysis in children as well as the trend of hospital utilization over the past decade in the United States. Methods A cohort of children with acute ischemic stroke was identified from the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 1998-2009. Acute ischemic stroke was identified by the International Classification of Diseases-9 clinical classification software codes (109 and 110). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess covariates associated with outcomes of hospital mortality and intracerebral hemorrhage. The Cochran-Armitage test was employed for linear trend of discrete variables. Results In this analysis, 9257 children were admitted with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke; only 67 (0.7%) received thrombolysis. Thrombolysis-treated children were older than the rest of the cohort (13.1 ± 7.3 vs 8.18 ± 7.5; P P P = 0.06) and intracerebral hemorrhage (2.99% vs 0.77%; P = 0.08) in the thrombolysis group. Adjusted analysis showed that intracerebral hemorrhage is predictive of a higher hospital mortality (odds ratio 3.43; 95% confidence interval 1.89-6.22), whereas thrombolysis was not (odds ratio 1.78; 95% confidence interval 0.86-3.64). The overall rate of thrombolysis per 3 years intervals had increased from 5.2 to 9.7 per 1000 children with acute ischemic stroke ( P = 0.02). This increase was mainly seen in non-children hospitals ( P = 0.01). Conclusion Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is infrequently used in children. There is a trend toward higher risks of intracerebral hemorrhage and hospital mortality, although these risks are as low as those reported in adult population. The hospitals' utilization of thrombolysis in children has increased during the study period.

International audience; Ticagrelor may be a more effective antiplatelet therapy than aspirin for the prevention of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events in patients with acute cerebral ischemia.; We conducted an international double-blind, controlled trial in 674 centers in 33 countries, in which 13,199 patients with a nonsevere ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack who had not received intravenous or intraarterial thrombolysis and were not considered to have had a cardioembolic stroke were randomly assigned within 24 hours after symptom onset, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive either ticagrelor (180 mg loading dose on day 1 followed by 90 mg twice daily for days 2 through 90) or aspirin (300 mg on day 1 followed by 100 mg daily for days 2 through 90). The primary end point was the time to the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 90 days.; During the 90 days of treatment, a primary end-point event occurred in 442 of the 6589 patients (6.7%) treated with ticagrelor, versus 497 of the 6610 patients (7.5%) treated with aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 1.01; P=0.07). Ischemic stroke occurred in 385 patients (5.8%) treated with ticagrelor and in 441 patients (6.7%) treated with aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.00). Major bleeding occurred in 0.5% of patients treated with ticagrelor and in 0.6% of patients treated with aspirin, intracranial hemorrhage in 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively, and fatal bleeding in 0.1% and 0.1%.; In our trial involving patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, ticagrelor was not found to be superior to aspirin in reducing the rate of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death at 90 days. (Funded by AstraZeneca; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01994720.).

Background and Purpose: It remains unclear how experience influences outcomes after the advent of stent-retriever technology. We studied the relationship between site experience and outcomes in the TRevo ACute Ischemic StroKe (TRACK) multicenter registry. Methods: The 24 sites that enrolled patients in the TRACK registry were trichotomized into: low volume (enrolling 1-23 cases, less than 2 cases/ month), medium volume (24-47 cases, 2-4 cases/ month), and high volume sites (> 48 cases, > 4 cases/ month). Demographics, baseline features, and key prognostic presentation characteristics were compared across the three volume strata. Results: The 624 TRACK registry patients were divided into three sub groups: low (n=188 patients, 30.1%), medium (n=175, 28.1%), and high (n=261, 41.8%) volume centers. There were no significant differences in terms of age (mean, 66±16 vs. 67±14 vs. 65±15, p=0.2), baseline NIHSS (mean, 17.6±6.5 vs. 16.8±6.5 vs. 17.6±6.9, p=0.43) or site of occlusion across the 3 groups. Times from stroke onset to groin puncture were shorter in the medium volume sites (310 min) but similar in the low vs. high volumes sites (397 vs. 378 min). Higher efficiency and better outcomes were seen in higher volumes sites as demonstrated by faster times from groin puncture to reperfusion (mean, 89 vs. 82 vs. 65 min, p Conclusions: Clinical volumes have a significant influence in terms of efficiency and outcomes across stroke centers.

PURPOSE To assess the safety and efficacy of vertebral artery origin angioplasty and stenting for stroke prevention in a multicenter clinical experience. METHODS Patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) were gathered from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Research Consortium. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were collected. The main outcome measure was procedural and peri-procedural risks of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or death at 1 and 3 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess covariates associated with future restenosis. RESULTS A total of 148 patients were included with mean age of 66.2 ± 11.5; 74% men and 77% Caucasian. One patient (.8%) had a stroke at 1 month and 5 of 96 (5.2%) patients had TIA at 3 months. There were no immediate procedural events or deaths. The mean angiographic pre-treatment stenosis was 80.5 ± 12.7%, which was reduced to 5.3 ± 9.1% after stent deployment. Follow-up angiography showed 15.5% of patients had significant restenosis (≥50%). Predictors of restenosis included age (OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.01, 9.41) and smoking (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.12, 8.64). CONCLUSIONS Endovascular intervention of VAOS is associated with low peri-procedural complication rates. Restenosis remains a concern; age and smoking predicted future restenosis.

Hemicraniectomy is a surgical procedure performed to prevent cerebral herniation and death in patients who have sustained a massive ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation territory. Information on in-hospital mortality in patients with large ischemic stroke treated with hemicraniectomy outside randomized trials is lacking. We sought to identify in-hospital mortality associated with hemicraniectomy in a large US sample. We selected our cohort from the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2000 through 2006 using the clinical classification software codes for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and arterial occlusion, and identified those patients treated with thrombolysis or hemicraniectomy by the procedure codes. A multivariate logistic regression model was used for adjusted analysis. Among 502,231 patients with AIS, 252 (0.05%) underwent hemicraniectomy, and 7526 (1.5%) were treated with thrombolysis. Compared with the nonsurgical group, patients treated with hemicraniectomy were younger (mean age, 55.6 vs 71.5 years) and had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (92.8% vs 76.0%). The mortality rate was higher in the hemicraniectomy group (32.1% vs 10.8%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.97-5.16). In patients treated with thrombolysis, mortality was higher in the hemicraniectomy group compared with the nonsurgical group (35.3% vs 13.1%; P = .01). The rate of hospital utilization of hemicraniectomy varied between 0.04% and 0.06% among all stroke admissions; the trend did not change significantly over the 7-year study period ( P = .06). The mortality rate in hemicraniectomy-treated patients was significantly lower than in historical cohorts however, hemicraniectomy remains associated with high in-hospital mortality. The rate of utilization of hemicraniectomy for AIS in US hospitals has remained essentially unchanged.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are commonly needed for early nutrition in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We evaluated the relationship between the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the need for PEG tube placement. Patients with acute ischemic stroke were included in this study. We collected information on patient demographics, stroke severity as indicated by the NIHSS, and risk factors for vascular disease. We ascertained the swallowing evaluation and PEG tube placement during the same hospitalization. A hierarchical optimal classification tree was determined for the best predictors. A total of 187 patients (mean age, 67.2 years) were included, only 33 (17.6%) of whom had a PEG tube placed during the course of hospitalization. Those who had the PEG were slightly older (73.8 vs 65.8 years), had severe stroke (median NIHSS score, 18 vs 4), and a longer hospital stay (median 12 vs 4 days). Independent predictors for PEG placement included bulbar symptoms at onset, higher NIHSS score, stroke in the middle cerebral artery distribution, and aspiration pneumonia. Hierarchical analysis showed that patients with aspiration pneumonia and NIHSS scoreor=12 had the highest likelihood (relative risk [RR] = 4.67; P.0001) of requiring a PEG tube. In the absence of pneumonia, NIHSS scoreor=16 yielded a moderate likelihood of requiring PEG (RR = 1.80; P.0001). Our findings indicate that the presence of pneumonia and high NIHSS score are the best predictors for requiring PEG tube insertion in patients with ischemic stroke. These findings may have benefits in terms of early decision making, shorter hospitalization, and possible cost savings.

Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is common cause of hospital admission. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour regulations on AIS outcomes including inhospital mortality. Methods Hospitalized patients with AIS were selected from the National Inpatient Sample database. Patients with AIS with a known mortality and hospital teaching status were included for the years 2000 through 2005. Inhospital mortality and predictors of mortality were stratified by the hospital teaching status. To determine the variability of mortality around the month of July (July phenomenon) the trend of mortality was determined in teaching hospitals stratified by the calendar month of each year. Results In all, 377,266 patients were included in this analysis; 43.0% were admitted to teaching hospitals. Overall inhospital mortality was 10.8%, slightly higher in teaching hospitals (11.4% v 10.3%, P < .0001). The trend in AIS mortality showed a decline during the 6 years included in this study in both hospital types (P < .0001). Adjusted analysis showed decline in mortality in both hospital types after July 1, 2003: odds ratio (OR) 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87, 0.94) in teaching hospitals and OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.78, 0.84) in nonteaching hospitals. Predictors of AIS-associated hospital mortality were similar in both hospital types except for sepsis, which was another independent predictor of death in nonteaching hospitals (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.30, 1.94). There was no significant change in AIS mortality when stratified by each calendar month within the years included in this study (P value = .25-.93). Conclusion There was no difference in AIS mortality after the implementation of the new ACGME duty hour standards. In addition, data support the lack of July phenomenon in neurology residency programs in regard to AIS mortality.

Background Recent reports suggested better outcomes associated with the drip-and-ship paradigm for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with thrombolysis. We hypothesized that a higher rate of stroke mimics (SM) among AIS treated in nonspecialized stroke centers that are transferred to comprehensive centers is responsible for such outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients treated with thrombolysis according to the admission criteria were reviewed in a single comprehensive stroke center over 1 academic year (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012). Information on the basic demographic, hospital complications, psychiatric diagnoses, and discharge disposition was collected. We identified those patients who were treated at a facility and then transferred to the tertiary center (ie, drip-and-ship paradigm). In addition to comparative and adjusted analysis to identify predictors for SM, a stratified analysis by the drip-and-ship status was performed. Results One hundred twenty patients were treated with thrombolysis for AIS included in this analysis; 20 (16.7%) were discharged with the final diagnosis of SM; 14 of those had conversion syndrome and 6 patients had other syndromes (seizures, migraine, and hypoglycemia). Patients with SM were younger (55.6 ± 15.0 versus 69.4 ± 14.9, P = .0003) and more likely to harbor psychiatric diagnoses (45% versus 9%; P ≤ .0001). Eighteen of 20 SM patients (90%) had the drip-and-ship treatment paradigm compared with 65% of those with AIS ( P = .02). None of the SM had hemorrhagic complications, and all were discharged to home. Predictors of SM on adjusted analysis included the drip-and-ship paradigm (odds ratio [OR] 12.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78, 92.1) and history of any psychiatric illness (OR 12.08; 95% CI 3.14, 46.4). Eighteen of 83 drip-and-ship patients (21.7%) were diagnosed with SM compared with 2 of 37 patients (5.4%) presented directly to the hub hospital ( P = .02). Conclusion The drip-and-ship paradigm and any psychiatric history predict the diagnosis of SM. None of the SM had thrombolysis-related complications, and all were discharged to home. These findings may explain the superior outcomes associated with the drip-and-ship paradigm in the treatment for AIS.

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is a promising adjuvant or stand-alone therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by occlusion of a large vessel in patients beyond the systemic thrombolysis therapeutic window. This review focuses on the clinical and angiographic outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy with use of the Merci retriever device. Methods: Available literature published to date on the major trials and observational studies involving the Merci retriever was reviewed. In addition to the review, results from studies involving the Merci retriever were compared to results from Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism II (PROACT II) and the Penumbra device studies. The predictors for favorable outcome following revascularization with the Merci device were reviewed on the basis of published stratified analyses. Favorable clinical outcome was defined in the Merci experience by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≤2 at 90 days following AIS. Results: Presented in this review are a total of 1,226 patients treated with the Merci device; 305 patients are from 2 pivotal trials involving the device, and the remaining 921 patients are from observational studies in the Merci registry. The 90-day mRS of ≤2 was achieved in 32% of the patient group, with an overall mortality rate of 35.2%. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was identified in 7.3% of patients treated with Merci retriever, a result comparable to that in the PROACT II and Penumbra thrombectomy trials. Successful recanalization, lower NIH Stroke Scale score, and younger age were identified as the strongest predictors of favorable outcomes. Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy with the Merci retriever device is a safe treatment modality for AIS patients presenting with a large-vessel occlusion within 8 hours of symptom onset. Although the Merci retriever showed a good recanalization rate, there are currently no randomized clinical trials to assess its clinical efficacy in comparison with systemic thrombolysis within a window of 3 to 4.5 hours or with standard of care beyond a 4.5-hour window.

Background and Purpose— Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in the elderly population is seldom administered. Methods— In this study, we evaluated the risks of thrombolysis, including the mortality and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rates in this population. A cohort of patients was identified from the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2000–2006. Age was categorized in 2 groups, including those between 18 and 80 years and those >80 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess covariates associated with hospital mortality and ICH. A total of 524 997 patients were admitted for acute ischemic stroke; 143 093 (27.2%) were >80 years. A total of 7950 patients were treated with thrombolysis, of which 1659 (20.9%) were >80 years. Elderly patients received less frequent thrombolysis compared with the younger population (1.05% versus 1.72%). Results— In the whole cohort, the mortality rate was higher in the older population (12.80% versus 8.99%). For those treated with thrombolysis, the mortality rate and risk of ICH were higher among those >80 years (16.9% versus 11.5%; odds ratio: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.35 to 1.82] and 5.73% versus 4.40%; odds ratio: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.03 to 1.67], respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of ICH (odds ratio: 2.24 [95% CI: 1.89 to 2.65]) was associated with higher mortality rates but not the use of thrombolysis (odds ratio: 1.14 [95% CI: 0.98 to 1.33]). Conclusions— Despite the higher mortality rate in the older population, the use of thrombolysis does not predict death; however, the use of thrombolysis was associated with high risk of ICH.

Background and Purpose—To determine the hospital mortality rates associated with elective surgical clipping and endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.Methods—We identified a cohort of patients electively admitted to US hospitals with the diagnosis of unruptured intracranial aneurysm from the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2000 through 2006. Patient demographics, hospital-associated complications, and in-hospital mortality were compared among the treatment groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent variables associated with hospital mortality. Cochrane–Armitage test was used to assess the trend of hospital use of these procedures.Results—After data cleansing, 3738 (34.3%) patients had aneurysm clipping and 3498 (32.1%) had endovascular coiling. The basic demographics including age, race, and comorbidity indices were similar between the groups. The length of hospital stay was longer in the clipped population (median 4 versus 1 day;PPConclusions—Elective coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is associated with fewer deaths and perioperative complications compared with elective clipping. The trend of hospital use of the coiling procedures has increased during recent years.

Background: Unlike the western hemisphere, information about stroke epidemiology in southern Iran is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the main epidemiological characteristics of patients with stroke and its mortality rate in southern Iran. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, hospital-based longitudinal study was performed at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Patients with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th editions, for the period between 2001 and 2010. Demographics including age, sex, area of residence, socioeconomic status, length of hospital stay, and discharge destinations were analyzed in association with mortality. Results: 16351 patients with a mean age of 63.4 years (95% CI: 63.1, 63.6) were included in this analysis. Men were slightly predominant (53.6% vs. 46.4%). Forty-seven percent of the total sample was older than 65,17% were younger than 45, and 2.6% were children younger than 18. The mean hospital stay was 6.3 days (95% CI: 6.2, 6.4). Among all types of strokes, the overall hospital mortality was 20.5%. Multiple logistic regression revealed significantly higher in-hospital mortality in women and children (P